"Really great. Better than great."
She's quiet for a moment, and I know it's because, while I enjoy my job, I don't usually gush about it. "Why was this trip different?"
"Keir."
"I'm guessing you got past the water issue?"
"Pretty far past it."
"I don't need details."
"There aren't many to give in that regard."
"Oh?"
"I thought you didn't want to know," I say, with a laugh.
"I don't want details, but I am interested in why things didn't progress to the bedroom if they were going so well."
"He wants to wait."
"That's...romantic."
"And frustrating, but yes, it's sweet. I'm not used to sweet, Mom, and I felt like I was pressuring him because I wanted to take things further. He insists I'm not, and he wants me too, but I don't know."
"Tell me about the last two days," she insists.
So, I do. I tell her about the restaurants, the kisses, the places he took me to today, and the dancing. I gloss over the making out, but I don't keep his parenting situation from her.
"He has two boys, and they are his world."
"As they should be."
"Agreed, and I'm strangely not bothered by it. I've always wanted to be first in everything, but when it comes to Keir's kids, I can see myself being happy to come in second, or I guess, third."
"It sounds like you're both being smart about what's happening."
"I think so."
"You sound happy, and that's all I care about."
"Thanks, Mom. Now, you need to go to sleep. Tell Dad I love him."
"Not me?"
I roll my eyes, even though she can't see me. "You know I love you."
"I do. Love you too, my sweet girl."
5
Keir
I see Grace on and off all morning, but not the way I want to. There's no chance to take her into her office for that kiss, because we're both swamped. I have reports on the restaurants to write, and specs on the hotel I’m photographing, to go over. I'm really looking forward to lunch with my woman, and when I have a chance to leave a little early and get us a good table with a view in the cafeteria, I do.
I'm playing on my phone while I wait, when my sister decides to join me. I have a momentary feeling of panic, but ultimately decide it's a good thing. I need to let Grace know about her, and if my hand is being forced, so be it.
"Hey, Ainsley, shouldn't you be over there with your posse?" I ask, waving at her friends.
"Can't I eat with my brother?"
"Not when I have a date."
"Seriously?"
"Would I really joke about it?'"
"God, I hope not. Who is it?"
"You'll see when she gets here, and you're not going to act weird about it."
"Why would I act weird?"
"Because you're my baby sister, and you think you need to make a big deal out of my life."
"News flash...my brother is a big deal."
I reach forward and cup her cheek in my hand, kissing her on the cheek. I'm about to thank her for all she's done for me, but we're interrupted, in the worst possible way.
"Isn't this cozy?" Grace looks angry, and hurt, and I’m even more sorry I didn’t tell her about Ainsley before now.
"Grace, I can explain."
"Explain how you've been making out with me, but now you're after another a woman? A married woman, whose husband can pound you into dust."
"Well, dust is a little much, but really, it's not what it looks like."
"Save it, because now I know why you wanted to wait to have sex."
"Wow, you were holding out on her?" my sister asks, helping no one.
"Shut it, Ainsley. In fact, why don't you go sit with your friends so I can talk to Grace."
"Don't bother; I have nothing to say to you except you better be ready for our meeting in an hour."
"Come on, Grace, you owe me the chance to at least sit down and talk about this."
"I owe you? You didn't really say that to me."
"He did. I heard it."
"Ainsley."
"Keir."
"Go the fuck away," I tell her, turning to look her in the eyes, so she knows I'm serious.
When I turn back to Grace, she's gone. I want to run after her, but the last thing I need to do is cause a scene, and make her even angrier than she already is at me. I already knew I should've told her, and now I've lost her before I really had her. Fucking perfect.
"Grace? Wow. I didn't know you had it in you."
"As you can see, I don't."
"It's just a misunderstanding. I am a little perplexed to know you didn't mention me to her."
"I was trying to impress her. Telling her my sister got me this job isn't very impressive."
"Men."
"Women aren't always so stellar, either."
"I can go talk to her."
I know she means well, but what she said still pisses me off. "I've been taking care of myself for a lot of years, you know."
"I didn't say you couldn't."
"Really? Because you tried to set me up with Harlow, got me an interview here, and now you're offering to find Grace to set her straight about what just went down."
She shakes her head, and blows out a deep breath. "You don't get it. At all."
"Enlighten me."
"You have always been there for me, Keir. Always. More than even Mom and Dad have been there for me. You beat up the boys who were mean to me as a kid, taught me how to punch the guys who messed with me as a teen, and encouraged me when I was allowed to tell you about what I really do. You did all of it without making me feel like I was 'less' than you, or weak for needing help, or a shoulder to cry on. Now, I'm trying to do a little of the same for you."
"I know. I do. I just feel like I've lost control of everything in my life."
"You haven't. That bitch left you and the boys, but you're still my awesome brother, a wonderful father, and one of the best men I've ever met."
"Thanks, and I'm sorry things went down like this with Grace."
She shrugs. "No biggie since she doesn't really like any of us from the Society."
"She knows?"
"No. Just that's we work for the Foundation, and get a lot of perks no one else does. She complained to Matt, about how we seem to do what we want, while spending C&C money, and not making any. I guess she stumbled across some accounting form by accident, and said we should be held more accountable for what we spend. Granted, it was for over a million dollars, but we saved a few hundred people on that mission. Not that Matt could tell her that."
"This just keeps getting better, and better."
"She's not the first to complain, and I'm sure she won't be the last. All everyone sees is twenty women who seem to come and go as they please, and hang out in their offices, giving away the money everyone works hard to make for C&C. Matt basically told her there was no price on helping people—since she knows we do that as the Foundation, and she let it go.”
"I get it, but if Grace isn't cool with you, there's no reason for me to try to make things right with her. You're family."
"You listen to me, big brother. You are not going to blow this with her. Grace is the first woman you've initiated anything with since your divorce, and I will jump through any hoop she needs me to so we can be friends. She's a badass, and I admire the hell out of her, because I ran her background check, and I know the shit she went through at other companies. And once she gets to know me, there's no way she won't love me."
"No, there isn't."
"See, it's all good as long as you explain this all to her, and tell her you're sorry for being an ass."
"She's worth it," I say, more for myself than my sister, but I know it's true. I'll fix this...somehow.
Grace
I go straight from the cafeteria to Miles office. I'm hungry, and hurt, but I need to confess before I lock myself in my office to eat and cry.
&n
bsp; "Shouldn't you be at lunch?" he asks, when Susan waves me in.
"Yes, but I screwed up, and I need to tell you about it."
"Okay. Sit down, and tell me what's going on."
"I crossed a line, made a fool of myself, and I don't know how it's going to affect things."
"Keir?"
"Yeah."
"Spill."
I tell him what I told my mom, and add what happened today. His mouth stays in a smirk, until the last part, when he bursts out laughing. To say I'm offended is an understatement.
"I didn't expect this from you," I tell him, trying to hold back tears of embarrassment.
"I'm not laughing at you, Grace," he says, coming around the desk, and moving the other chair to right next to me. He takes my hands in his, and smiles. "This situation is pretty crazy."
"Right? And how do I compete with Ainsley Taylor? I heard she's an actual genius. All of those women are beyond normal."
"Ainsley is happily married to Zack, and she wouldn't cheat on him with anyone, least of all Keir."
"What's wrong with Keir? He's good enough for her."
"Yes, but he’s not her type."
"Whatever. It doesn't matter, because she's obviously his type."
"There is so much I could say right now, but I think you need to hear it from Keir."
"I don't want to talk to him."
"Since you're working together, you'll have to talk to him."
"I know. I knew better. I know better than getting involved with someone at work."
"It's not the end of the world, Grace. All that matters is how you deal with the aftermath, good or bad."
"I can be professional with him."
"I have no doubt, but is that really all you want?"
"I want a guy who only wants me."
"As you should."
"We have the meeting with Keir in less than an hour. I should probably get my stuff together."
"And eat."
"I can't go back into the cafeteria right now."
"Have something sent up here."
"I'm allowed to do that?"
"Yes. Read the benefits section of the intranet, G."
"I know about my medical, dental, vision, and time off."
"There is so much more, and Matt should've pointed it all out to you when you talked to him about the Foundation."
My cheeks turn red, because that's not a highlight of my time here. "Alex still talks to me."
"I wasn't calling you out."
"I was maybe calling myself out," I grumble.
"You'd fit right in with the Foundation women."
"They probably all hate me."
"It's on you to change their perception."
"I know."
"Alex and I want to spend a quiet day at home on Sunday, so you're going to be my representative in the Corrigan box for the Legends game."
"What? No."
"Yes. Take the opportunity to get to know whoever's there, and have fun."
"Do I have to dress up?"
"Nope. Jeans and a t-shirt or jersey are the norm."
"I'm tempted to wear a Zack Taylor jersey, but I suppose I shouldn't."
"You should. Please. Please wear one."
"You’re so weird sometimes. I'm going to my office to learn about ordering food, and get my stuff together."
"If you'd assign yourself an assistant, they could order for you."
"Baby steps."
"Go."
I didn't think I'd be smiling when I walked out of the office, but I am. When I go back, I have to see Keir, so it's going to be a lot harder. I can do this, though. I'm strong, and resilient. Maybe a little heartbroken too, but it could be worse...at least I didn't fall all the way in love with him yet.
6
Keir
"You're going to the game on Sunday, aren't you?" Miles asks me, after our meeting, where Grace only spoke to me when necessary, and ran out of his office as soon as she could.
"Yep."
"I told Grace she needs to represent me in our box."
"And she agreed?"
"She feels bad about some stuff that went down between her and the Society."
"Ainsley told me about the complaint."
"And Grace told me you're trying to hook up with your sister."
"Dude, don't go there. I just threw up a little in my mouth."
"I didn't know your family connection was a secret."
"It's not, but at the same time, it is. I was embarrassed to have her get me this job, but she put me in my place."
"Good. Saves me the trouble."
"Thanks."
"Anyway, Grace will be there, so she'll be forced to learn about Ainsley being your sister."
"I owe you."
"Just keep doing an awesome job, and we'll call it even."
"Deal."
I go back to my office, and work on more plans for the photo shoot happening soon, incorporating the ideas Miles and Grace gave me. I keep my door open, so I can see if she walks by, because I still want to try and talk to her before Sunday. She doesn't walk by even once in the next four hours, telling me she's actively avoiding me. I'm not surprised, but I am disappointed.
I shut down my office, and make my way to the elevator. Somehow, luck is with me, and Grace is the only one waiting with me. I try again to explain things to her.
"I wasn't hitting on Ainsley."
"Not my business."
"Since we're starting a relationship, it most definitely is your business."
"Were. We were starting a relationship."
"Why is it so hard for you to just listen to me?"
"Because I like you too much."
"That makes sense."
"It does to me," she says, stepping into the elevator when the doors open.
We're not alone anymore, and I promised to keep things professional around others, so I drop it. She won't be able to escape me on Sunday when I make a point of calling Ainsley my sister, so I'll just have to let it go for now. It's not what I want, but it's what I've got.
I get off before her, because I'm going to the daycare floor to pick up the boys. Thoughts of them bring a smile to my face, and when Connor runs for me as I enter, I feel settled. Trevor hangs back, trying to look cool in front of the other kids his age, but he smiles, letting me know he's happy to see me.
"Can we have burgers for dinner?" Connor asks.
"If that's what you want," I tell him. It's his turn to pick tonight.
"It's what I want."
We all get settled into the car, and I drive us to Downtown Summerlin, and Shake Shack. The burgers are good, and the shakes are better. All I care about is that we're together. After dinner, we walk around a little, and get pretzels, before walking back to the car. It's not a school night, but Trevor wants to get his homework done early so he can have fun all weekend without worrying, and Connor is falling asleep standing up, despite his afternoon nap.
Our rental is a short drive from the outdoor mall, making it a quick trip home. I help Connor get ready for bed, while Trevor starts on his homework. Once his brother's down, I set up my work next to his.
"I like it here," he tells me, looking down at his paper.
"Me too."
"Is it bad that I don't miss Mom all the time?"
I look up at him, startled by his admission. "You have the right to feel however you feel."
"I love her, and I miss her sometimes. Just not always."
"That's okay."
"Do you think she misses us?"
Nope. "I don't know, Trev. I miss you when you're not around."
"I know. You're the best dad."
"It's easy to be great when you have amazing kids."
"You're being corny again."
"Yeah, yeah. Finish your homework."
Grace
It's game day, and I decide to forgo the Taylor jersey for a Wonder Woman t-shirt. She's the better choice, because I really do want to make amends with the Foundation women.
And because she's the best superhero there is.
My name is on the list at the VIP gate, and I'm escorted up to the Corrigan box by a very nice woman. I thank her, and walk in, making all conversation in the room come to a halt. Well, not all, since there are two adorable boys running around the room.
"Hi everyone. It's good to see all of you."
"Is it?" Matisse asks me. Her boyfriend, the official doctor for the Foundation, Kendrick, gives her a nudge, but she just smirks at me.
"Yes. I mean, I wanted to apologize for complaining about you. I don't really understand what all of you do, but that doesn't mean it isn't important work. I know it's important, because you help people. So, I'm sorry."
"Apology accepted," Reina says to me with a smile. "Come in, and eat, drink, and be merry."
"Thanks."
I take her up on the offer of food, loading a plate from the buffet with mini hot dogs, sliders, and fries. There's also a seafood buffet, and a carving station with potatoes and mac and cheese, and I'll head over for some of that later. It can never be said that the Corrigans skimp on their entertaining budget.
I sit down next to Sierra Taylor, and her boyfriend, Joel Cruz. Sierra is Zack's sister, and Joel is a baseball star. They seem like a safe choice.
"Auntie Si, when is Uncle Zack going to start?" the younger boy asks her.
"Soon, Con."
"K."
"He's your nephew?" I ask.
"They're actually Zack and Ainsley's nephews, but they've claimed us too. We're totally not complaining," Joel explains.
"They seem great. Full of energy, but with manners."
"Exactly."
It's getting closer to game time when I finish my plate, and I stand to place it on the tray in the corner. As I'm walking back, the door opens to a beautiful woman, trailed by Xavier James, with his son in his arms. The two little boys in the room squeal, and run to the woman. She tries to disentangle herself, but they hold on tight.
"Mommy," the littlest boy cries.
"I can't believe you're here," the older one tells her.
"Get off me!" she yells, pulling at them as they start to cry.
"The hell?" Xavier asks, stepping away from her.
"I'm guessing she didn't tell you she's me ex-sister-in-law."
Ainsley looks ready to commit murder, and so does Sierra as she comes to stand next to her. I don't even know the boys that well, but I'm not feeling too calm myself.
Unexpected Company: #2 of Company Men Page 4